The Drake Passage
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| The Drake Passage is the
narrowest opening between any of the continents surrounding Antarctica.
The first recorded voyage through the passage was that of the Eendracht
(named for the hometown of the ship's captain, Willem Schouten in
1616). The southern meeting of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, along
with the lack of land to slow the polar vortex, causes very rough
waters. When the passage is calm, which is a rarity, it is called
the “Drake Lake.” More often, in its turbulent state it
is referred to as the “Drake Shake.” The majestic beauties
that lie on the other side of the passage more than make up for the
travel across the passage.
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For most of the voyage through the
Drake Passage, we encountered large waves and strong winds. |
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Here is a better representation of
the large waves seen off of the back of the boat. The large swells kept
most people in their cabins because they were seasick. |
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Along with the waves, there were
many birds who accompanied us on our journey south. They followed us
for several reasons. First, The boat churned up food for them to eat.
Second, when whaling boats used to sail these seas, they would throw
their scraps overboard, and they have learned from that and follow the
passenger ships hoping for a free handout. |
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Pictured
here is a Giant Petrel. |
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